Bali's Electrical Power Supply Under Threat

State Electrical Board Official Warns of Critical Power Situation in Java and Bali in 2008.

(12/1/2006) The Indonesian language Bisnis Indonesia reports that PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN) predicts the shortfall in electrical power production for Java and Bali will reach critical stages in 2008 as the result of the shortfall in new power-generating capacity.

Fahmi Mochtar, General Manager Distribution for Jakarta and Tanggerang for PLN told the newspaper that electricity requirements in 2007 will be met for the most part by new capacity coming on line in 2006 and entering into full service in 2007. Nonetheless, he warned, "the condition (of electricity generation in 2007) won't be substantially different than 2006."

Four new generating station set to be in full operation in 2007 include:

▪ Cilegon with a capacity of 720 MW

▪ Clilicap with a capacity of 300 MW x 2

▪ Tanjung Jati B with a capacity of 660 MW x 2

▪ Darajat with a capacity of 110 MW

Trouble Ahead in 2008?

Although electricity demand for 2007 should be met by new generating plants and a southern distribution network of 500 KV, the PLN official charged to track distribution warns there's trouble ahead if new generating capacity is not found before 2008.

According to Fahmi, by 2009 the critical electrical shortage looming for 2008 will be eased by an additional 6,900 MW scheduled to come on line from 10 new generating plants.